Asked on Apr 02, 2015
Shower pipe broke off, I need to remove old pipe out to put the new
by
Robert
+5
The shower pipe broke off in the wall. I need to get the rest of it out so I can put a new one in.
8 answers
-
Unless you're wanting to destroy and redo the interior walls of your shower / tub surround you'll need to access the plumbing elbow from the back and there's a very good chance you'll want / need to replace the entire plumbing fixture. Since the thru pipe has corroded away, in all likelihood the elbow will be frozen to the upright pipe, the upright frozen to the plumbing fixture valve assembly and so forth. Now would be the perfect time to replace it all. If the wall behind the shower is drywall you can cut an access hole. Using a drywall saw, cut your hole on a 45 degree angle so that it's tapered like a wine cork. The point of your saw should point towards the center of the piece you're removing. It's cut so that the backside of the drywall to be removed is smaller than the exposed side. This way the piece you removed will sit in the hole you cut out without falling through. Replace / repair your plumbing fixture as you see fit and be certain to check it for leaks. When you're ready to repair the wall apply liberal amounts of drywall compound to both the edges of the hole you cut and the edges of the piece you removed. Gently push your "wine cork", the piece you removed into the hole until it's flush with the surrounding wall. Clean off excessive joint compound before it dries with a putty knife. You may have to use a painters tape to hold the piece steady until it sets. Once it's dry, using a slightly damp sponge in a circular motion, smooth or remove any remaining joint compound. Prime, touch up your wall texture, paint and you're good for another 20+ years.
D & K
on Apr 03, 2015
-
drill a screw in to center, spray around edges with WD-40, and use care pull or twist to get out with pliers
Eleanor Mcnealley-cain
on Apr 04, 2015
-
Ours did the same thing. The shower head extension broke off at the joint right inside the wall at the pipe that goes straight down thru the wall leaving the old short threaded portion still intact. We thought we were going to have to bust out behind. There is a special tool, I believe, called an inside out wrench. My hubby got a 3 pack (different sizes) at Home Depot for very reasonable $$. You find the size that "fits" and insert it into the broken pipe. It expands inside the old pipe tightly so you are able to turn and remove the old threaded piece that broke off. You might need a WD 40 soak for a bit. The old threaded, broken stub screwed out. We got a new extension. (also inexpensive), used plumbers tape at the threads and put the new one on and attached the shower head. YAY! A similar analogy would be like trying to remove a light bulb socket with the bulb broken.(In which case, with electric off, lightly dampen a sponge and squish it into the socket and turn) Good luck!
Karen
on Apr 04, 2015
-
If you can reach under the tub, get a drain like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kohler-K-9132-Polished-Chrome-Shower-Drain/400706811418?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29266%26meid%3D973f74f442f64a488843414e74245bf9%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D261832141254&rt=nc and take the old one out and install the new one and connect it to the drainage piping. And make sure the drainage piping isn't rotten. Good luck, Tom from Munich, Germany
Tom
on Apr 04, 2015
-
Here is a youtube video which gives you a good impression how to do a proper installation. Just to give you an idea how it looks under the tube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Iz5hxgmDds
Tom
on Apr 04, 2015
-
Don Germantown, TN I recently used a compact hacksaw blade holder to make two cuts inside pipe and removed broken copper pipe. Used a 6" long threaded steel pipe nipple to dress threads. No leaks so far! There is an extractor tool that failed to do the job.
Donald Flack
on Apr 04, 2015
-
@Home Repair Tutor , do you have any tricks for this?
Kelly S
on Apr 05, 2015
-
Check the wall on the other side,if it's a room, you can cut into the sheet rock and access the pipes without destroying your shower.
Jacki Nino
on Apr 11, 2015
Sign Up to Answer
